The Indo-Pak relationship is a complex mixture of national prejudices, injured ego and plain rivalry. The two nations united by history but divided by destiny are like two estranged siblings. Their rivalries over six decades have prevented both countries from realizing their full economic and geopolitical potential. We can say that since 1947 the nations of India & Pakistan have been locked in a seemingly endless spiral of hostility over the disputed territory of Kashmir.

Apart from this, we also had the problem of river water sharing, dispute over Rann Of Kutch, the crisis over Bangladesh, attack on Indian Parliament, Mumbai train bombings, attacks done by Lashkar-e-Taiba and the conflict relating to power projects. A plethora of analysis and scrutiny explains why India and Pakistan have such a sour relationship.

It can be said that the conflict with Pakistan is a lose-lose situation for both sides.

India’s policy towards Pakistan has fluctuated between bouts of engagement, concession and indifference. The two countries have fought three wars, two of them over the disputed region of Kashmir. The basic problem in restoration of friendly relations between the two countries is that while for over 55 years India has been vigorously functioning democratic state, Pakistan still is in search of an identity and system. In India, the defence forces are under the full control of the civilian and political authorities. In Pakistan, on the other hand, they seem to constitute an empire within an empire, perhaps autonomous in decision making. I feel that it is time for India and Pakistan to come out and address real life issues of human development- but the ray of hope is bleak.

We can say that in recent years, although many steps were taken by both countries in order to normalize the relations, the Indo- Pak relations have further worsened. A disturbed Pakistan is always harmful for Indian borders but India cannot always compromise on its national interest for the sake of good neighbourly relations. To sum up, I can say that strategic importance of peace between India and Pakistan will help in reducing the arms race in the sub continent and will also act as a formidable check on the imperialist intervention which has been fishing in the troubled waters of Indo-Pak relations.